Seko Fofana, Ludovic Blas and Estéban Lepaul at heart of busy Rennes summer | OneFootball

Rennes, sixth in Ligue 1, are braced for a lively summer as they prepare for a European return, while aiming to keep key players.

According to L'Équipe, the season debrief set for Wednesday with president Arnaud Pouille and sporting director Loïc Désiré has been delayed by a week. Clarity is still needed on whether Rennes enter the league phase of the Europa League or start with a Europa Conference League play-off on 20-27 August, a scenario that would affect preparation and finances if negotiated successfully.

Continuity is assured on the bench with Franck Haise, contracted until 2027, and a possible extension is an open topic without a meeting scheduled. Adrien Thomasson will bolster midfield after three and a half years at Lens. Djaoui Cissé could seek a move given limited minutes, and an exit solution is likely to be explored again for the little-used Glen Kamara.

Seko Fofana, back from a successful loan at Porto, remains a key question. There is no option to buy, but Porto would assess keeping him. In goal, Brice Samba could stay unless his status as France’s number two brings alternatives, while Mathys Silistrie may either remain deputy or leave on loan to develop.

With Jérémy Jacquet already bound for Liverpool since January, attention turns to Abdelhamid Aït-Boudlal, who has changed adviser and could draw strong interest, which may also prompt a renewal push. Ludovic Blas has one year left, leaving his future uncertain, and the around two million euros option on Arnaud Nordin’s January loan from Mayence is set to be triggered.

Top scorer Estéban Lepaul, on 21 goals and five assists, and Breel Embolo, on eight and three, led in 2025-2026, though the pair were split in a 4-3-3 with Lepaul first choice. The Switzerland international, capped 85 times with 23 goals, may have cause to reflect. Lepaul recently saw himself staying after European qualification, yet Atlético de Madrid, Benfica and Côme are said to be interested, and Rennes’ resolve to keep him could be tested.

Source: L'Équipe